Fall Prevention – Page 2 – A to Z Personal Wellness

How to Avoid Slips and Falls This Winter

Winter is here which means snow and ice and being indoors more. Here are my tips to prevent slipping, tripping or falling this winter.

When getting out of the car plant both feet and hang onto the door before starting to walk to make sure you have your balance and that it isn’t slippery

Dress warmly – cold muscles tense up which affects balance and can cause a fall – also being warm decreases joint stiffness

Wear shoes with good traction, even if it is just for a very short distance

Wear clothes that fit well – if they are too tight or bulky your movements can be restricted which can lead to a fall or if they are to big/baggy they can catch on things

Slow down and give yourself extra time when going places

Always have a cell phone with you

Keep shoes and walking aides dry and free of snow and ice as soon as you come inside

Avoid walking in more than one inch of snow – snow can hide uneven ground, curbs, and other tripping hazards

When walking on surfaces that may be icy, shorten your stride and walk with your feet pointed slightly out and knees gently bent (like a penguin) to improve traction and balance

Make sure you have enough lights and night lights in the darkness of winter! Use a flashlight on your key ring for extra light when needed

Can also carry a small bag of kitty litter, sand or rock salt with you in case you need to throw some down in a walkway or slippery area

Have a table or chair by door/entrance way to set things down when you come in and out of the house so that you are not trying to hold too many things/do too much all at once

Can use cleats on shoes and also add ice spikes to canes. Attaching cleats to shoes are great, especially if you want to continue to go for walks outside.

Don’t take short cuts when walking, stay on cleared sidewalks and paths

Last but certainly not least…keep moving!! Staying active during the winter months is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.

Now you are ready to tackle this winter weather safely:)

Contact A to Z Personal Wellness if you need help staying active and safe this winter.

Home Safety Tips to Prevent a Fall

Did you know that most falls happen in the home? There are ways to make your home more safe to decrease your risk of falling.

Here are some tips to prevent falls in your home.

1) Avoid having cords or wires on the ground or in an area where you have to walk around or over them

2) De-clutter! Avoid having clutter around, the less tripping hazards the better off you will be

3) Have proper lighting- keep spare light bulbs at your house and in an easily accessible place. Is there a light close to your bed? It is best to have a light that is within reach of your bed. Use nights lights! You can get motion sensor lights which can be helpful especially at night.

4) Try to keep objects off of the floor

5) Have a clear path from your bed to the bathroom

6) Avoid and/or be cautious with area rugs – if you have them, use double sided tape or non-slip backing so they don’t move around

7) Have non-slip mats in the shower/tub and always watch out for wet spots on the floor. Grab bars are also great to have.

8) In the kitchen, try to keep things you use often on the lower shelves of cabinets, or around or at counter/waist height.

9) Outdoors or indoors, make sure to have sturdy handrails ( 2 rails are better than 1!). Keep steps cleared, well lit, and if they are uneven, loose, or in rough shape, fix them; it will be worth it!

10) Exercise or get some form of physical activity daily! 🙂

If you would like more ways to make your home safer, would like a consultation/walk through of your home with safety recommendations or have questions please contact A to Z Personal Wellness.